Robin Söderling - Plagued by panic attacks as an active player
Robin Söderling had to end his career in 2011. During his active time, the Swede always had to deal with psychological problems.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jul 09, 2020, 07:37 am
Winning a Grand Slam title is missing from Robin Söderling's career record - there is no question that the Swede made tennis history. Söderling was the first of only two (!) Players to date to beat Rafael Nadal in Roland Garros. Only Novak Djokovic was reserved for this sense of achievement in 2015. Söderling struck six years earlier, reached the final, defeated there by Roger Federer .
These three legends - Federer, Nadal and Djokovic - played a special role in Robin Söderling's tennis life. They were the only opponents to whom the still 35-year-old conceded a win against himself. "I had to win against the rest if I didn't want to feel bad, like a failure, like a loser." Söderling, who currently leads the Swedish Davis Cup team as captain, told Radio Sweden a few days ago.
Söderling says goodbye with tournament victory
Throughout his career, he was under a lot of pressure. And faced panic attacks. "I was constantly in a state of fear, it was gnawing at me internally. I sat in my apartment and just stared into the air, the slightest noise caused me to panic. When a letter fell on the mat in front of the door, I fell on the floor in panic. When the phone rang, I trembled out of fear. "
Robin Söderling won ten titles on the ATP tour, the last in his home in Bastad 2011, with a dominant 6: 2 and 6: 2 against David Ferrer. It should remain the final match of his career. After his victory, he came to his apartment in Monte Carlo - and was again faced with the problems described above.
“I panicked and started crying. And cried and cried. Every time I thought about going to the court, I panicked. For the first time, I felt that no matter how much I wanted it, I couldn't do it anymore. Not even if I had a gun on my temple. ”
Advice for the next generation
A little later, Söderling's mononucleosis was found to be unlikely to continue his active career. Now he lets younger players share his experiences.
“It rarely happens that the big athletes talk about their psychological problems in sports. So I wanted to take a step forward. I tell those who are completely devoted to sport that they should train hard and still take it easy. I tell them to do their sport because they feel comfortable doing it. And not because of the pressure. If you are successful, try to put it in the right relation and not to be too influenced by it. ”